Cultural Resilience Emphasized by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office During Emancipation Village Opening

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office responsible for Culture, Dr Shantal Mumror Knight has underscored the significance of cultural resilience.

Speaking during the official opening of the Emancipation Village, Kilombo in Haggatt Hall, Friday evening, she said the Season of Emancipation aims to foster a spirit of cultural resilience both nationally and within various sectors.

The Minister also noted that while resilience is often associated with environmental contexts, it fundamentally involves the ability to overcome, rebound, and adapt to adversity.

“When we consider cultural resilience, it involves harnessing cultural values, norms, and practices that enable us to cope, adapt, and thrive in adversity,” she said. Reflecting on Barbados’ historical trauma from slavery, she acknowledged the ongoing recovery process. “Given our history, it is crucial to build cultural resilience to move forward and recover,” she said.

Munro-Knight also highlighted the importance of collective consciousness and national identity, suggesting that self-awareness and self-confidence were vital for confronting daily adversities and global challenges. “Understanding who we are and having confidence in our identity is essential for facing international challenges,” she said.

The minister has urged Barbadians to recognise their history and identity. “Often, we are unaware of the connections we are missing, but understanding our history is crucial,” she noted. Munro-Knight also called for collective responsibility in preserving and sharing the story of resilience with future generations.

She outlined several initiatives to foster cultural resilience, including projects with the Parish Independence Committee and community-based projects highlighting national heroes. “This year, we’re focusing on innovative projects from young people within communities,” she explained.

Additionally, she announced efforts to document women’s contributions to the resistance movement in Barbados. “We will present the findings of a project documenting women’s contributions to honour these efforts,” she said. The Emancipation Village, featuring local artists, crafts, clothing, food, and entertainment, will be open from 5 p.m. daily until August 17, with live performances on weekends. (RG)